A Study on the Comparison and Enhancement of Health Literacy of College Students in Guangdong Province in 2020 and 2022

Abstract

In order to compare the health literacy level of college students in Guangdong province in 2020 and 2022, so as to provide a scientific basis for targeted health literacy intervention and policy formulation for college students in Guangdong province, surveys were respectively conducted in 2020 and 2022. The data collation and analysis were performed using SPSS 19.0 statistical software. The χ2 test was used to compare different health literacy, and logistic regression was performed to analyse the factors influencing health literacy. The results show that the general health literacy level of college students in Guangdong province in 2022 is 46.5%, 6.3% higher than 40.2% in 2020, which difference is statistically significant. The three dimensions and six aspects of health literacy all have improved. The results of both years showed that health skills, basic medical literacy and health information literacy were at a low level. According to logistic regression analysis, the health literacy level of senior students is higher than that of junior students，and those who have taken health related courses have higher health literacy level. The most desirable type of health knowledge is prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, and the new media access is becoming more popular among students to gain health knowledge. In conclusion, Guangdong college students’ health literacy is relatively high, but still needs to be improved, especially in health skills, basic medical care and health information literacy. The government, colleges and universities should work together to improve college students’ health literacy.